BREAKING FREE THERAPEUTIC RIDING CENTER INC

Each Lesson incorporates the educational, physical, social and recreational goals of each individual student. The 45-minute therapeutic riding lessons include mounting, warm-up time, an exercise, an activity or game, skill development, skill review, a closing activity and dismounting. Group lessons have 3-4 students per class. Lessons will include some unmounted time devoted to expanding horsemanship skills. Students may groom, saddle, or perform other appropriate activities that develop horsemanship skills. Continual participation in the program is suggested for maximum therapeutic benefits

Breaking Free earned a Premier Accredited Center Member certification in October 2013 through Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship Intl. We have been a PATH Center Member and followed their safety and program guidelines since 2009 when we began. <br/> <br/>PATH is an international governing body that sets standards for equine therapy and equine facilitated learning for centers who provide services for the disabled. PATH Int. has been a leader in equine therapy since 1969.<br/><br/>Our instructors are PATH Registered Instructors who must complete training and testing to become registered. They also complete continuing education hours annually. PATH's training standards insure our instructors are highly trained and follow strict guidelines for the safety of our participants, volunteers and equine.

Each year students with the help of their parents, therapist, case workers or educators set specific goals for themselves. Each lesson is planned with objectives to work towards those goals. Accomplishments are charted and reviewed by our certified instructors. Between measured outcomes and testimonies from students and parents, we know the many benefits of our program. Our instructors, staff and volunteers pride themselves in staying up to date with the latest advancements in the equine activities and therapies field.

In May 2015 Breaking Free began a new "Horses for Heroes" program to serve Veterans in their area. Breaking Free's Horses for Heroes program is open to all eligible US Veterans who are interested in working with or around horses or in a farm and barn atmosphere. This program has been many years in the planning and we are excited to have it up and running.<br/><br/>Our wish is to offer therapeutic riding sessions year round. We have started raising funds so we can hopefully fulfill our dream of building an indoor arena in the near future.